Customer Reviews

Master of the Five Magics

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction, and one of the greatest regrets I have is that I never found more than three books written by Lyndon Hardy, an author I still consider an automatic buy. In a way, this man's work defined what I expect from fantasy.

Of his three published works, I liked 'Master of the Five Magics' the best, followed closely with 'Secret of the Sixth Magic'. 'Riddle of the Seven Realms' comes in third, but keep in mind it's been over 20 years since I purchased the books, and I've moved six times and had to parse my book collection. I still have these wonderful novels, which I've re-read about once every five years.

Now about the book -- it follows Alodar, an apprentice Thaumaturgist. The magic system used by Lyndon Hardy is unique and self-consistent, hitting the right balance of rules vs power to make fantasy magic truly interesting. The closest modern equivlents I can think of are David Farland's Runelords or even Robert Jordan's One Power.

Alodar's journey takes him into enclaves of each magic practitioner across the land, and he meets adversaries that constantly beat him down. Yet he doesn't give up! I could really feel for Alodar by the end of the novel, so the primary characterization is wonderful.

The plotting was strong, and kept me with the book until the end. I never expected some of the twists thrown at me by Hardy.

As for the settings, I can still conjure up the inner heart of the Volcano with uncut gems waiting like burning fruit, the wizard's library with the spell barrier gongs, and the imposing black tower surrounded by minor demons. Those images have stayed with me for years, and have become benchmarks I measure new fantasy by. Lyndon Hardy hit the right mix of dialogue, pacing, and description I find lacking in so many 'modern' fantasy efforts.

If you haven't read this wonderful novel, I urge you to try it.

Aldor quests from one exacting branch of magic to another; with the rewards he earned always going to others. Finally, only the branch of Wizardry remains - the great, almost lost art of controlling demons. Adventure and supernatural escapade in a fantasy setting, good for a quick read over a wet weekend.

Journeyman training, many levels.


Magic here is approached somewhat more analytically, and divided into various different flavours - e.g. sorcery and wizardry are different, as is the variety that the protagonist of the piece uses.

Any one of sufficient intellect can learn them, with enough work.

However, not all studying as there is a fortress under siege, an escape to be made, and the usual sort of fantasy quest to be embarked upon, which trying to accomplish the titular feat.


3.5 out of 5

I unfortunately read the first two books backwards upon just picking up "Secret of the Sixth Magic" at random from a section of used books at the local library. Once I finished it I went back immediately and was joyed to find that the first one was there also.

This is probably the most sensible description of magic I've ever encountered in a fantasy book. It is detailed enough to understand how the systems work and how each school derives its own workings. I'm guessing because of Mr. Hardy being a physicist, that he had the technological slant in his writing to make it come out this way. Even though the story is imaginative enough on its own and the ideas behind the workings of demonology I think are great. I'm yet to read the 3rd novel but plan to buy a copy immediately after reading this just recently again (and enjoying it even more this 3rd time reading it).

The theme in the book is rather basic but fits well to life and is perfectly understandable. I would recommend this book to any avid fantasy reader. If you enjoyed this one, then the other ones no doubt will be a good read to you.

I read this series a long time ago simply on impulse. The story is excellent and enjoyable. The book however is more than the story, it is a concept that is brilliant in it's execution. At the very beginning, even before chapter 1, it lists 5 different types of magic, and the rules for each. These are concepts that exist at the very core of almost every form of magic that you have ever read about in fantasy or seen in movies. Such examples include sorcery (thrice spoken, once fulfilled) which celebrates the conbination of the word and reality, with repitition.

These rules have always been used by various authors, but Hardy is one of the first to not only combine them, but in fact define them with precepts.

One of my all-time favorite books, this is one of those I come back to every now and then. Wonderfully crafted, Hardy takes logic to fantasy and returns with an outstanding storyline.